Canon 8x25 IS: Review

Posted to Binoculars 2009-04-19

Canon 8 x 25 IS Review:

The Canon 8 x 25 IS binoculars are at the front of the pack with image stabilization that makes binoculars easy to use once again. For those who held a pair of binoculars prior to image stabilization, they likely found some blurring of the image. Most of the time such blurring is cause by mild shaking from your own hands. Image stabilization helps to correct shaking to provide a clearer, brighter and more detailed image. The binoculars also feature a lightweight casing, which makes it easy to hold. Although they are a bit bulky to slip into a pocket, they are still small enough to fit into a pouch or to be carried with the included case.

The Canon IS binoculars offer lenses that are lead free and Canon's multi-coating which helps to create clear crisp images. The 8x25's lens are great for everything but the most detailed of viewing. You wouldn't want to use these to check out the stars at night but they are perfect for sporting events, landscape viewing and bird watching.

Rating:

4.2 out of 5

Value

Anyone who has gone to a sports game and sat in the bleachers already knows how valuable a pair of binoculars is. Add in Canon's high efficiency Tilt-System Image Stabilizer and these binoculars are awesome. Not only do they handle just about any way you choose to use them, they are very user friendly, especially for those who have difficulty using binoculars. The 8x25 IS binocular is Canon's smallest and lightest Image Stabilized binocular. The rounded design is very comfortable and makes it easier to hold on to. Canon even thought of the environment when they added Lead-free glass to make the lenses from. If there is any point I might have a concern with it would be the fact that they were not weather proofed. With this much value, weatherproofing would have simply put the icing on the cake

Ergonomics

Not only do these Canon binoculars work well but they are shaped for your comfort. When talking about ergonomics, the binocular is perfectly molded for hands of all sizes. The contours make holding them effortless and the image stabilization feature makes even serious human shaking a non-issue. The binoculars are extremely light; much lighter than any other Image Stabilized binoculars I've had my hands on and for those who are going to be taking these along on hikes or safaris will find that the light weight will be a nice advantage. I especially like the focusing which is easy and smooth to the touch while viewing. For someone with small hands or big handed alike, people will be happy with the focusing feature.

Summary

Canon 8 x 25 IS Binoculars are awesome for people who are looking for a fairly simple pair of binoculars that will remove blurring usually cause by hand shake. I would recommend them for even the novice or seldom used category because once you look through them, whether is was yesterday or two months ago, these binoculars will consistently give high quality images. The battery is long lasting and the case and neck strap that come along with the camera are of high quality and extremely comfortable. One minor issue is the battery type. The binoculars take CR123 batteries which can be tricky to find if you are looking in a corner store, however they last so long in the binoculars that it really isn't a huge inconvenience.

Pros

Lightweight styling is comfortable to carry
Contours make holding easy and intuitive
Image stabilization is amazing
Lead-free glass to help protect the enviroment

Cons

There are no cons for this product